FEBRUARY 3, 2022
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT JOHN BLANKENBAKER CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
District One:
DOUG BRANDON
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
JIM SEAMAN
JACKIE SELF
STEVE WOODS
District Two:
ANGIE DAVIS
District Three:
DAVID DETZ
District Four:
RANDY MARTIN
District Five:
SHAD STEWART
District Six:
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.
District Seven:
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
District Eight:
LISA THOPSON
Fort Polk Representative:
COL. SAMUEL P. SMITH, JR.
ABSENT:
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: JIM SEAMAN
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: JIM SEAMAN
Item #1: January 11, 2022 Minutes
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2022 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Recognition of Teachers of the Year
Curriculum Supervisor, Carolyn Bosley introduced the Vernon Parish School Board Teachers of the Year to the Board. The Teachers of the Year are Katie Hines, West Leesville Elementary, Elementary Teacher of the Year, Leah Stone, Vernon Middle School, Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Tammy Wilber, High School Teacher of the Year, Rosepine High School. The principals of each school spoke to the Board about the quality teaching techniques and dedication their teachers have and always being available to assist any student with extra help needed. No matter the need, these three teachers go above and beyond the call of duty for their students and their schools. Karen Robertson is the Principal at West Leesville Elementary. Henry Lacking is the Principal at Vernon Middle School. Joseph Bartz is the Principal at Rosepine High School. Superintendent James Williams, District Board Members, and Principals presented their teachers with a plaque and thanked them for their service to the Vernon Parish School System.
Item #3: Student Recognition
Leslie Ortiz, Secondary Curriculum Supervisor asked the principals from each school to introduce their students for their athletic accomplishments for the 2021 school year and presented each with a certificate of achievement:
Student Recognition
February 3, 2022
Hornbeck
2021 Class C Boy’s Basketball State Semi Finalist
Jaren Mitcham
Devyn Sharp
Brady Alexander
William Weeks
Adam Rhodes
Brayden Addison
Waylon Woodell
Parker Alexander
Trace Fox
2021 Class C Baseball State Runner Up
Jaren Mitcham
Devyn Sharp
Logan Lawrence
William Weeks
Cole Richardson
Devin Miller
Brayden Addison
Waylon Woodell
Tristen Welch
Parker Alexander
Trace Fox
2021 4-H Shooting Sports
Colby Bush
2021 Modified Trap State Champion
2021 Class C Girl’s Track State Runner Up
Hannah Dahlhoff
400M - Bronze
800M - Silver
4x400M - Bronze
Victoria Fluitt
Kayleigh Park
3200M - Bronze
4x400M - Bronze
Jayda James
800M - 5th
1600M - 4th
4x400M - Bronze
Hailey O’Banion
3200M - Silver
4x400M - Bronze
Danzey Forehand
Discus - Bronze
Cali Wedgeworth
Discus - Silver
Cheyanne Lopez
Makayla Cole
Jaida Davis
Natalie LeBlanc
Hannah Mitchell
Shot Put - State Champion
2021 Class C Boys’ Track State Participants
Brady Alexander
4x400M - Bronze
Adam Rhodes
4x200M - Silver
Parker Alexander
4x200M - Silver
JoJo Weeks
4x200M - Silver
Jaren Mitcham
4x400M - Bronze
4x200M - Silver
Leesville High School
Powerlifting
Izaiah Farley - 2nd place
Baylor Belsha - 4th place
Caden Bealer - 5th place
Baker Graves - 4th place
Rebecca Fournier
Elizabeth Haymon
Celine Chavez
Breanna Welch
Chloe Robinson
Kaylee Robinson
Rylei Taylor
Emani Whitley
Kaitlyn Stennett
Allie Wittenhagen
Nattacin Meins
Genevieve Shelton (moved)
Track
5 th place 4x400
Lamayah Lake
Za’Rieah Foster
Monica Ortiz
Ariyah Green
1 Mile - 3 rd
Lina Zacappa Mills
High Jump-3rd
Jaymeion Henderson
Rosepine High
4-H
Gabriel McKee - 1 st Place State Ambassador in Chicken
3 rd Place Fishing Team 4-H University
Austin James – 2 nd Place State Ambassador in Egg Commodity
Jacob James – 4 th Place Senior Rescue Archery
Winterguard Competition
Zoey Teegardin – Bronze in the 3 State Winterguard Competition
Jessiely James – Bronze in the 3 State Winterguard Competition
Softball – Runner Up State Softball Championship
Marlana Calhoun
Jenna Marler
Aaliyah Marrero
Barbara Ann White
Shelby Deason
Robi Peavy
Shelby Grant
Madison Strother
Kelly Norris
Navaeh Rivera
Kailea Blankenbaker
Analeigh Roberts
FFA
Morgan Slaydon – State FFA Degree
Brayden Tate Johnson – State FFA Degree
FBLA
Eliana Kitchens – 2nd Place State Introduction to Financial Math
4th Place State Introduction to Math
Track
Haley Calcote – 6 th Place 4 X 400 meter relay
Allaina Johnson – 6 th Place 4 X 400 meter relay
Alicia Kitchens – 6 th Place 4 X 400 meter relay
4 th Place 4 X 800 meter relay
Amaya Shine – 6 th Place 4 X 400 meter relay
3 rd Place 100 meter dash
Lexa Thompson – 4 th Place 4 X 800 meter relay
Sophia Jeffers – 4 th Place 4 X 800 meter relay
6 th Place 800 meter run
Sullivan Hanna – 6 th Place State 1600 meter run
Cross Country
Issabella White – 6 th Place State Cross Country Team
Alicia Kitchens – 6 th Place State Cross Country Team
Allaina Johnson – 6 th Place State Cross Country Team
Sophia Jeffers – 6 th Place State Cross Country Team
Lexa Thompson – 6 th Place State Cross Country Team
Sullivan Hanna – 5 th Place State Cross Country Team
Luke Woodard – 5 th Place State Cross Country Team
Auustin Cantrell – 5 th Place State Cross Country Team
Simpson
Boys’ Basketball Class C State Champions 2020-2021
Braxton Basco – Sr.
Braydon Cutts – Sr.
Ethan Nash – Sr.
Tristin Williams – Sr.
Daniel Carruth - Jr.
Heath Dalme – Jr.
Chase Taylor – Jr.
Ean Allain – So.
Kyle Jeane – So.
Aiden Martin – So.
Marshall Yates – So.
Boys’ Class C State Track
Ean Allain - So. 3200m Champion
Boys’ Class C State Track
Ean Allain – So. 2 nd Place 1600 meter run
Item #4: Head Start Report
Director of Head Start, Curtis Clay gave an update to the Board concerning Head Start business. Mr. Clay requested that the following information presented to the Policy Council Meeting be added to the February 8th agenda for approval:
1. VPHS Policies and Procedures for Documenting Nonfederal Share (In-Kind)
2. VPHS Financial Procedure Manual
3. VPHS Early Head Start Transition Plans
4. VPHS Transition Plans
On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted to add to the February 8th meeting for approval.
Mr. Clay also provided the Board with a copy of the Vernon Parish School Board Head Start Financial Procedure Manual.
Cheree Atkins, Head Start Coordinator discussed federal grants received and applied for which covers the cost of the Head Start programs. She also informed the Board on enrollment, different services provided, and numbers on the waiting list.
Item #5: Salary/Personnel Committee Report
Salary/Personnel Chairperson, Angie Davis reported to the Board on the information discussed at the 9:30 meeting by Assistant Superintendent, Mike Kay. Mr. Kay reported on the following:
1. February personnel changes
2. Vernon Parish School Personnel Evaluation Plan
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to add personnel changes and evaluation plan to February 8th agenda for approval.
3. Advertise for vacant administration position, principal at PHS
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to add to the February 8th agenda for approval.
4. Approval for a performance contract
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to add to the February 8th agenda for approval.
5. Other Business (discussed full time teachers subbing as bus drivers) the discussion was tabled until further discussion.
Item #6: COVID Update
Child Welfare and Attendance Director, Hub Jordan gave an update on week #21 weekly COVID-19 tracing in schools that is calculated by Mandie Johnson and Shelby Wedgeworth, Vernon Parish School Nurses. A report with the number count was given to each Board member on the different catagories for each school in the parish concerning tracing in schools. Mr. Jordan also reminded the Board that no masking began 10-24-21 in our schools. The 5 day quarantine and isolation started 1-3-2022.
A copy of the parent quarantine opt out form, release, and indemnity agreement was also given to the Board.
Item #7: Superintendent’s Remarks
Superintendent Williams welcomed all to the meeting. He asked Tiffany Koch to update the Board on Fort Polk events for Col. Smith in his absence. Tiffany reminded the Board about the State of JRTC and Fort Polk – Strengthening Community Partnerships event, scheduled for Monday, 2-1-22 at 9:00 am at 1-5 Aviation Hangar.
Mr. Williams announced in the meeting that January was School Board recognition month and Vernon Parish is honored to celebrate its school board members for their dedication and commitment to the district’s schools and students. Our school board members are selfless volunteers who spend long hours working to ensure all of our students have the opportunity to learn and grow. We are very thankful for our board members.
Superintendent, James Williams asked Tim Ward, Finance Director and Mike Holt for an update on the hurricane restoration. Mr. Holt explained phase 3 and the continued work to be completed.
Mr. Williams reminded the Board about LSBA 2022 Annual Convention to be held March 6-8, 2022 in Baton Rouge.
Mr. Williams also congratulated our teachers of the year and thanked them for the outstanding job they do and a congratulations to all the students who were recognized for their athletic accomplishments today. Mr. Williams also reminded the Board that this is Black History Month which will be recognized at the board meeting on Tuesday, February 8th
Vernon L. Travis, Jr. District 6 board member reported to the Board on the Advocacy for Public Education which he attended for the Vernon Parish School Board. Mr. Travis presented the Board with the 8 items discussed at the convention.’
At this time, Mr. Williams turned the meeting over to the president and Mr. Blankenbaker asked for memorial resolutions to be presented.
Item #8: Memorial Resolutions
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Norma Lou Sadler who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Sadler was the mother-in-law of Velena Sadler, former paraprofessional at Rosepine Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Sadler was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Richard Joseph Bottini who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bottini was a former teacher at Pickering High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bottini was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Frank Baird Scharff III who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Scharff was a retired retired teacher; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Scharff was a resident of Rapides Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of Lisa Thompson, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of David Wayne Woodham who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Woodham was the father of Belinda McKenzie, teacher at Hicks High School and the father-in-law of Randy McKenzie, bus driver at Hicks High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Woodham was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Diana Keller who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Keller was a special education teacher at Leesville Junior High School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Keller was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Amy Winegeart who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Winegeart was a teacher at Pitkin High School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Winegeart was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of John Joseph Driscoll who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Driscoll was a retired teacher/coach and the husband of a retired teacher, Debbie Van Dine Driscoll; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Driscoll was the son-in-law of Dee Van Dine former secretary of Leesville High School and brother-in-law of Denise Karamales, Cheryl Browning, Carolyn Owen, and Liz Van Dine, all retired or former teachers of Vernon Parish; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Driscoll was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Jack Henry Toney who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Toney was the father of Kelley Moore, teacher at Anacoco Elementary and father-in-law of Wanda Toney, teacher at Anacoco High School; and WHEREAS, Mr. Toney was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
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Item # 9: Adjournment
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned.
Authorized Officer
_________________________
JOHN BLANKENBAKER, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
__________________________________
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT